The Internet can bring couples together, but one in four say smartphones are distracting to their relationship.
The Pew Research Center released a new report on Tuesday just in time for Valentine's Day that looks at both the positive and negative effects of tech tools.
Of the 27% of couples who say the Internet has impacted their relationships, most note a positive influence. It's no surprise that 21% of adults feel closer to their partners because of online or text messages.
But tech is the root of tension, too, especially in younger adults. Those in relationships between ages 18 and 29 are more likely than older couples to cite the Internet (45%) and smartphone use (42%) as a distraction. About 8% of those younger couples have argued over one person spending too much time online.
The report also found that more couples are sharing passwords, social media accounts and online calendars. About 67% of couples in serious relationships share their online passwords, while 27% use the same email account. Only 11% share a social media profile.
“Long partnered couples are more likely to say they share email accounts and social media profiles,” said Amanda Lenhart, senior researcher at Pew. “It’s about timing — in many cases these couples were together when they first started using the technology and began using it as unit, while those who have been in a relationship for a shorter period of time were still independent actors when they first set up their accounts.”
Meanwhile, one might assume sending sexy photos or videos to a loved one may be more popular among people who are unmarried, but married adults are as likely as their single counterparts to send sexts to someone they know. In fact, one in 10 adults (both married and single) say they have sent a nude photo or video.
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